Ethics case study 2: Using animals to grow organs for people

Ethical decision to be made: Should animals be genetically modified to grow organs for transplantation into humans? If so, which animals? 

Link to worksheet

Background:

• Animals can be genetically modified to grow human compatible organs to be used for transplantation.
• Such processes can be applied to many types of animals.
• Different animals have different cognitive capabilities. For example, so far researchers identified evidence that primates like chimpanzees can even engage in moral reasoning.

Ethical decision-making process:

• What are the ethical issues? What does not feel right?
• What are the relevant facts? Is anything missing or distorted?
• Who are the stakeholders? What are their influence on the situation?
• What are the situational factors?
• What are the values in conflict?
• How do the ethical frameworks apply? Is anyone/any group not acting with virtue? Are any ethical rules being violated? How would the most benefit to the largest number of people be achieved? Should only people be considered?
• What are possible solutions? What are the consequences? What must be monitored in the future?
• What was your final solution and justification?

Implement your solution:

• What animals should be used for organ farming. Justify your answer.